Logavijaya Niksepa And Lokavicaya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, focusing on the "Logavijaya Nikṣepa and Lokavicaya" as discussed by Dr. B. Bhatt:

The article delves into the intricate exegetical traditions surrounding the Ācārāṅgasūtra (Ācāra), one of the foundational texts of Jainism. Specifically, it focuses on the "Logavijaya"-Nikṣepa found in the Ācāraniryukti and the proper Sanskritization of the chapter title Logavijaya from Ācāra 1.2.

Key Points and Arguments:

1. The Ācārāṅgasūtra and Niryukti:

   • Ācāra is an early Prakrit sutra text, considered the first of the twelve Angas.
   • The Niryukti, attributed to Bhadrabāhu, is a commentary on Ācāra that uses "nikṣepas" (a method of enumerating components or meanings) based on keywords, often derived from chapter titles.

2. The "Logavijaya"-Nikṣepa:

   • The study centers on the nikṣepa of the title "Logavijaya" of Ācāra 1.2, which is found in verses 173-177 of the Ācāraniryukti.
   • This nikṣepa is a "twin Nikṣepa" covering both "LOKA" and "VIJAYA."
   • The Niryukti verses introduce keywords: "LOGA" and "VIJAYA" from the title, and "GUNA," "MULA," and "STHANA" from the text proper of Ācāra 1.2.

3. The Problem of Sanskritization: Lokavijaya vs. Lokavicaya:

   • The primary aim is to determine the correct Sanskrit form of the Prakrit title "Logavijaya."
   • The Cūrṇi (a commentary on the Niryukti) offers two interpretations:
     • First Interpretation: Suggests the Sanskrit form Lokavicaya, derived from "vicaya" meaning "reflection" or "investigation." This interpretation is supported by the technical term "vicaya" itself and the content of Ācāra 1.2.
     • Second Interpretation: Proposes Lokavijaya, derived from "vijaya" meaning "victory" or "conquest."
   • The author argues strongly that Lokavicaya is the more genuine and accurate Sanskritization based on linguistic analysis and the textual context.

4. The "Vijaya" vs. "Vicaya" Distinction:

   • The Prakrit word "vijaya" can indeed correspond to the Sanskrit "vicaya" (reflection, investigation).
   • This is supported by linguistic evidence (Hemacandra, Pischel) and scholarly consensus (Abhayadeva, Schubring).
   • The meaning of "vicaya" is highly relevant to Jain meditative practices, particularly Dharmadhyāna, which involves contemplation on various aspects of existence (precepts, evils, fruits of actions, forms).

5. Influence of the Avaśyaka Tradition:

   • The article highlights a significant "blending" or contamination between the Ācāra tradition and the Āvaśyaka tradition (specifically the Āvaśyakaniryukti and Mulācāra).
   • The LOKA-Nikṣepa originated in the Āvaśyaka tradition due to the phrase "logassa ujjoyagare" (illuminating the world).
   • The Ācāra Niryukti appears to have borrowed or adapted the LOKA-Nikṣepa from the Āvaśyaka tradition.
   • The introduction of the "kaṣāya" (passions) theme into the "Logavijaya"-Nikṣepa is also traced back to this blend, as kaṣāyas are prominently discussed in the Āvaśyaka tradition's commentaries.

6. Authenticity of the Niryukti and Cūrṇi:

   • The author points out that some verses within the Ācāraniryukti, particularly those dealing with the "Logavijaya"-Nikṣepa, might be spurious or later interpolations.
   • The Second Interpretation of the Cūrṇi (leading to Lokavijaya) is considered less authentic and is identified as the source of later commentators' preference for this less accurate Sanskritization. The First Interpretation of the Cūrṇi, which supports Lokavicaya, is deemed more reliable.

7. Content of Ācāra 1.2:

   • The second chapter of Ācāra 1.2 (Lokavicaya) is characterized by reflections on worldly matters, impermanence, attachment (lobha), and their resultant evils.
   • The chapter emphasizes detachment, renunciation, and the abandonment of actions leading to merit and demerit.
   • While the word "vicaya" itself is not explicitly used in Ācāra 1.2, the concept of reflection and contemplation is evident through other terms.

8. Conclusion:

   • The article concludes that the Lokavicaya form of the title is correct, aligning with the Niryukti's first interpretation, the Cūrṇi's first interpretation, and the subject matter of Ācāra 1.2.
   • The incorrect Sanskritization Lokavijaya gained popularity due to the influence of the Second Interpretation of the Cūrṇi, which misled later commentators like Śīlāṅka.
   • Understanding the "Logavijaya"-Nikṣepa requires disentangling the influences of both the Ācāra and the Āvaśyaka traditions.

In essence, the paper is a scholarly analysis of the historical development of Jain exegetical traditions, tracing the complex interplay between different textual strata and interpretive methods to arrive at the most accurate understanding of an ancient Jain scripture's title and its underlying meaning.